Print
EmailFormer Elk River Teacher "Could Not Help Falling in Love" with Student
A former high school English teacher in Elk River was sentenced to five years probation for a sexual relationship with a student who said she never wanted him prosecuted.
Matthew Ellsworth, 36, of St. Paul admitted having the relationship with a girl who was 17 at the time. At his sentencing Wednesday in Ramsey County on a criminal sexual conduct charge, he said he and the girl "could not help falling in love."
Judge Gary Bastian ordered Ellsworth to register as a predatory offender for at least 10 years. But he also dismissed a no-contact order between Ellsworth and his former student.
The St. Paul Pioneer Press reports that Ellsworth and the girl, now 18, hugged in the courtroom after the hearing.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
|
|
